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The December 2012 issue of Consumer Reports gave the V6 turbocharged X3 the worst/lowest possible rating for reliability, which probability won't help resale values for the 2012 model. I'm really enjoying mine, though.

Funny though that they only rated the interior and exterior on the Audi Q5 as better than the X3 (reliability and performance are the same) but the Audi is number one and the X3 is 6th. It is very subjective in my opinion. I drove the Q5 and it didn't compare in performance to the X3. X1 only had scores for performance and interior so how can they put it above the X3? Very skewed.

I bought a new car in 1990-Mazda AWD wagon that was motor trends car of the year-came to the conclusion they were wrong after it shelled out the auto tranny & I learned the hard way that the torque converters in them were insufficient to do the job based on weight,engine,etc.. I could go on in that direction to include other crappy cars that every mfg. has put out on occasion ,including BMW ala nikasil for one biggie & in their bikes(which I ride) the final drive units are another issue. Beware of the ratings! Point is that these rating things are all to be taken with "a grain of salt" and from the auto mags in particular I would watch for balanced commentary and long term tests vs. short term & maybe biased due to ad revenues...

close, not yet-I'll post the place,the car & the deal soon-PM me if you happen to have need of info sooner

BTW, Many posting here need to put SOMETHING??? in their profile so we have some idea of your perspective ,etc.. No, I don't want to stalk you or invade your privacy, stereotype you,just a glimpse to know occupation & other biggies. thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I also drove the Q5. Meh! Not nearly the pick-up or overall feel of the BMW. Same-same for the MBZ G and M series, imho.

I also found myself distracted by having to look down far too often to work with the various controls in the Audi and MBZ.

Though off topic, BMW is behind its competition re diesel models in the US, though.

I'm not sure how much power the diesels will be giving up due to downsizing of the engines when those models are released for US purchase.

Consumer Reports didn't specify if it was reviewing the 2012 or 2013 X3, but its reliability was a full 80% below average reliability, which was the lowest in its class. Sad and depressing, by any possible standard.

Same here. I actually liked some things about the Q5 more than the X3, but the handling was not nearly as well balanced on the Q5 and coming from a car that was a big concern when going to an SUV/crossover. Also, the X3 had more backseat room which was one of the big reasons I was getting an SUV (new baby/carseat space).

CR seems to be selectively choosing different brands to downgrade each year to possibly prove their objectivity. I've driven the vehicle for nearly 6 months without a single problem. I've read numerous online comments without significant problems.

As for US Today the ratings seem strange. Q5 and Evoque is debatable, but can you seriously believe EX30 and X1 operates in the same class or even better?

I believe the haters would be the most vocal, but their silence is probably a truer reflection the X3 is a wonderfully built vehicle. If you keep the vehicle long term or lease, it makes little difference. Do your own review and buy a car you'll enjoy for the next few years.

The December 2012 issue of Consumer Reports gave the V6 turbocharged X3 the worst/lowest possible rating for reliability, which probability won't help resale values for the 2012 model. I'm really enjoying mine, though.